Overdue Update!

I didn't realize it had been so long since my last update.  Christi's birthday is coming up.  She would have been 21 years old on May 12th.  Yes, I still miss her every. single. day.

I just finished my year of sabbatical and I would like to thank my fabulous employer, BGSU for giving me that opportunity.  I thought with Shayla coming to campus as a first year student, it would be best if I took off for a year so that she could establish BGSU has "her" place, not mine.  She also had an incredible year.  

We will be picking her up and bringing her home tomorrow for a couple of weeks before she heads to the East Coast for her summer internship.  Shayla was incredibly involved on campus, earned all A's both semesters, won some more academic awards, and believe it or not, will graduate with her Bachelor's Degree and her Honors Diploma in December as a 19-year old.  She intends to join me spring semester (2019) in Europe where I have been awarded a Fulbright so I will be living and teaching in the Czech Republic.  Then Shayla intends to start grad school in the fall of 2019 somewhere back in the USA.  Her dream is to become a professor or to work as a dramaturg.  

 A few days ago I held the 300+ page textbook I wrote while on my sabbitical in my hands for the first time and I love it! I ca't wait to use it with my students. I also want to thank the 47 teachers (my former students) who shared with me their "teacher tips" and "classroom contributions" which enhanced my book. Finally, to the 20 teachers who invited me into their classrooms this year, I am filled with gratitude and appreciation. I learned a ton! I only wish I would have had more time and money to go even more places and to stay longer. Now I am preparing for my summer classes which begin May 14th. I hope all is well with you and yours!